Chavez welcomes flood victims

A state of emergency has been declared in three states in Venezuela after heavy flooding along the country's Caribbean coast left more than 20 people dead over the past few days.



Classes in schools and universities have been suspended and the authorities have set up emergency shelters in affected areas.



President Hugo Chavez opened the doors of the presidential palace to 26 families who were made homeless.



Chavez has also been urging people in parts of Caracas that are particularly at risk to move to safer ground before the arrival of more torrential rain.